The GEMS program sponsored by UW-Waukesha was started in 2008. Designed for girls age 11-14, this conference promotes an awareness of engineering, math, science, and technology careers.  Professionals in these three areas conduct over a dozen workshops in an interactive format to engage girls in a fun, hands-on setting.

Each girl chooses four workshops to attend.  They also hear a key-note speaker, meet female role models, and enjoy lunch during this day-long event at UW-Waukesha each spring.  Parents are given the opportunity to attend workshops to help them promote these careers to their daughters.

AAUW West Suburban-Milwaukee members volunteer at this conference as a community service.  Our branch also sponsors eight to ten girls to attend this educational program to expose them to a variety of careers.  Instilling confidence and excitement in middle school girls to encourage them to consider a career in a scientific field is a major goal of GEMS.

Check out this website to learn more about this exciting educational venue for middle school girls.